Paper sheet processing apparatus

ABSTRACT

According to one embodiment, a paper-sheet processing apparatus includes a feed unit, a pickup unit, an inspection unit, a stacking unit, a backup drive unit, a banding unit, at least one power supply, a mode setting unit, and a fixing unit. At least one power supply supplies electric power to electrically operational parts of the extraction unit, inspection unit, stacking unit, backup drive unit, and a banding unit. The mode setting unit sets a standby mode in which electric power supply to at least one of the electrically operational parts is suspended temporarily. While the standby mode is set by the mode setting unit, the fixing unit fixes the backup to a position for setting of the standby mode.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromprior Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-054244, filed Mar. 15, 2013;the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a paper-sheetprocessing apparatus.

BACKGROUND

A paper-sheet processing apparatus comprises a pickup apparatus whichpicks up, one after another, a large number of paper sheets, aninspection unit which inspects the paper sheets picked up, and astacking/banding apparatus which stacks and bands the inspected papersheets in units of stacks each including a predetermined number of papersheets. The stacking/banding apparatus comprises a backup where papersheets are stacked. The backup is driven in accordance with a stackedquantity of paper sheets.

In recent years, there is a demand for reduction of electric powerconsumption by turning off surplus power supplies during operation orsuspension of operation, in order to improve power saving of theapparatus.

However, if the power supply of a motor for driving the backup is turnedoff, the position of the backup shifts.

In this case, paper sheets stacked on the backup need to be once takenout and then stacked again after a restart, due to resumption of anormal mode from a standby mode.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the invention is directed to providing a paper-sheetprocessing apparatus which can achieve power saving without a complexrecovery operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a paper-sheet processing apparatusaccording to the first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a banding module of the paper-sheetprocessing apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a front view showing a temporary stacking unit of thepaper-sheet processing apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing a system configurationof the paper-sheet processing apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing for explaining an operation example of thebanding module;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing a system configurationof a paper-sheet processing apparatus according to the secondembodiment;

FIG. 7 is a front view showing a temporary stacking unit of apaper-sheet processing apparatus according to the third embodiment; and

FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing a system configurationof the paper-sheet processing apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, according to one embodiment, an paper-sheet processingapparatus comprises a feed unit, a pickup unit, an inspection unit, astacking unit, a backup drive unit, a banding unit, at least one powersupply, a mode setting unit, and a fixing unit. A plurality of papersheets are set on the feed unit. The pickup unit picks up paper sheetsout of the feed unit. The inspection unit inspects the paper sheetspicked up as described above. The stacking unit stacks eachpredetermined number of the inspected paper sheets onto the backup. Thebackup drive unit adjusts the position of the backup in accordance withthe quantity of stacked paper sheets. The banding unit bands a bundle ofthe stacked paper sheets by winding a band around the bundle of thestacked paper sheets. At least one power supply supplies electric powerto electrically operational parts of the pickup unit, inspection unit,stacking unit, backup drive unit, and banding unit. The mode settingunit sets a standby mode in which electric power supply to at least oneof the electrically operational parts is suspended temporarily. Thefixing unit fixes the backup to the position for setting of the standbymode when the standby mode is set by the mode setting unit.

First Embodiment

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference tothe drawings.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view schematically showing an entire configurationof the paper-sheet processing apparatus 1 according to the firstembodiment;

As shown in FIG. 1, the paper-sheet processing apparatus 1 whichprocesses bank notes as paper sheets comprises a main module 10, analignment module 30, a banding module 60 as a stacking/bandingapparatus, and an expansion module 174. These modules are arranged inline and are electrically and mechanically connected to each other.

A main controller 12 which controls operation of the main module 10 andthe whole apparatus is provided in the main module 10. The maincontroller 12 is connected to an operation unit 17 to input variousinformation to the present apparatus, and a monitor 15 as a displayapparatus which displays operation states and processing states of thepresent apparatus.

The main controller 12 is connected to an unillustrated host computerand performs transmission/reception of information to/from the hostcomputer and organizes information.

According to the operation of an operator by the operation unit 17connected to the main controller 12, various operation settings arecarried out, including setting of a transaction method such as a moneyreception service or a money organization service, a loading processingof loading into a loading room, an inspection processing for bank notesin the loading room, setting of a stockroom to contain processed banknotes P, setting of a stacking/banding processing, and aqualified/damaged level setting for setting a determined quality levelfor each bank note.

In accordance with processing information from the inspection apparatus18 described later, the main controller 12 calculates a processingefficiency per unit time, processing efficiency for each of a pluralityof days, processing efficiency for each operator ID, a total number ofsheets to process, and management information including total operatingtime. The main controller 12 then stores calculation results into amemory of the main controller 12, and displays them on the monitor 15.

As shown in FIG. 1, the main module 10 comprises a feed unit 11 where alarge number of paper sheets are stacked, a pickup mechanism 14 whichpicks up, one after another, paper sheets P from the feed unit 11, and aconveyor path 16 through which bank notes P picked up by the pickupmechanism are conveyed. The conveyor path 16 is provided with aplurality of sets of endless conveyor belts, not shown, which areextended in a manner that each set of the conveying belts sandwich theconveyor path 16. The picked up bank notes P are conveyed sandwichedbetween the conveying belts.

The feed unit 11 comprises a support surface 11 a which extends at aninclination of an arbitrary angle to a perpendicular direction, a mountsurface 11 b which extends in a direction substantially perpendicular tothe support surface 11 a, and a pair of guide walls 11 c which areprovided to stand along two side edges of the support surface 11 a andthe mount surface 11 b. An extraction port 11 e for taking in the banknotes P into inside of the present apparatus is formed at a boundarypart between the support surface 11 a and the mount surface 11 b.

A plurality of bank notes P, e.g., 2,000 or more bank notes P can bestacked and set on the feed unit 11. The stacked bank notes P are set inthe feed unit 11, stacked at an inclination along the support surface ina manner that the lowermost one of the bank notes is on the mountsurface 11 b and that, for example, a side edge of longer sides of thebank note is on the support surface 11 a. The stacked bank notes P aresequentially taken into the present apparatus in an order from thelowermost bank note P through the extraction port 11 e by the pickupmechanism 14.

The feed unit 11 comprises a temporary stacking plate 21 which moveseach of the bank notes P toward the side of the extraction port or,namely, toward the mount surface 11 b. The temporary stacking plate 21is provided to be contained in the support surface 11 a and to bemovable along the support surface.

The pickup mechanism 14 which picks up one after another of the banknotes P from the feed unit 11 comprises a plurality of pickup rollers(extraction rollers) 24 provided to be capable of making contact with abank note P on the mount surface 11 b, a separation roller 25 providedin rolling contact with a pickup roller 24 on the side of the extractionport 11 e, and a drive motor 26 which rotates the pickup rollers 24 at apredetermined speed.

As the pickup roller 24 rotates, the lowermost bank note P is picked up(or extracted) by the pickup rollers 24 and fed through the extractionport 11 e to the conveyor path 16 from the extraction port 11 e. At thistime, the second and successive bank notes P each are isolated from theextracted bank note. In this manner, the bank notes P are picked up fromthe feed unit 11 and fed to the conveyor path 16.

As shown in FIG. 1, a conveying-pitch correction unit 13 which correctsthe pitch of conveying the bank notes P by the conveyor path 16, theinspection apparatus 18 which inspects one after another of the banknotes P the conveying pitch of which has been corrected, and a bar codereader 19 are arranged along the conveyor path 16. The inspectionapparatus 18 is provided in the upper side of the extraction port 11 eof the feed unit 11 along the perpendicular direction. The inspectionapparatus 18 detects the denomination, shape, thickness, front/back,truth/false, qualified/damaged, and double pickup for each of the banknotes P conveyed. Here, qualified/damaged detection is intended to meandetermination between a re-circulable fresh bank note and a fatiguedbank note which is soiled and damaged and is therefore notre-circulable. For example, the bar code reader 19 reads batch cardswhich have passed the inspection apparatus 18 when using batch cards, orreads bar codes added to casino tickets. The bar code reader sends readinformation to the main controller 12.

The conveyor path 16 once extends down from the pickup mechanism 14 andthe extraction port. The conveyor path 16 is then obliquely inclined inrelation to the perpendicular direction, and extends up from below. Inaddition, the conveyor path 16 communicates with the alignment module 30described later. An ejection port is formed in the lowermost part of theconveyor path 16, and a collection box 27 is further provided below theejection port. Extraneous materials which fall along the conveyor path16 are ejected from the ejection port, and are collected into thecollection box 27.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the main module 10, two rejection units 20 a and20 b are provided along the conveyor path 16, and a plurality ofstockrooms 22 a, 22 b, 22 c, and 22 d each of which stacks bank notesare located in line. The bank notes P which have passed through theinspection apparatus 18 are sorted into rejected notes and processednotes by gates not shown. The rejected notes are determined to becounterfeit notes by the inspection apparatus 18 or determined to befolded, torn, skewed, or beyond recognition because of double picking.The rejected tickets are collected and stacked, sorted into therejection unit 20 a or 20 b. Except for counterfeit notes, the rejectednotes are set again on the feed unit 11 and are taken in again, or areincorporated into calculation data by manual input. Inspection resultssuch as a sum amount and a total number of bank notes processed by theinspection apparatus 18 are fed to and stored into the main control part12 and are displayed on the monitor 15.

The processed notes are bank notes P each determined by the inspectionapparatus 18 to be a true and qualified note or a true and fatigue note.The processed notes are fed to and stacked in the stockroom 22 a or 22d. For example, the processed notes are stacked and sorted intocorresponding ones of the stockrooms 22 a and 22 d depending on banknote types. Fatigue notes are stacked together in a stockroom.

When batch cards are used, the batch cards pass through the inspectionapparatus 18 and the bar code reader 19 and are thereafter fed to andstacked into the refection unit 20 a or 20 b.

The main module 10 comprises, as electrically operational parts whichare operated by electric power, the monitor 15, drive motor 26,inspection apparatus 18, rejection units 20 a and 20 b, and motors whichactivate gates of the individual units and the conveyor mechanism.

The main module 10 comprises a drive mechanism, a power supply, andvarious sensors, which are not shown but drive the pickup mechanism 14,inspection apparatus 18, and conveyor mechanism.

As shown in FIG. 1, the alignment module 30 comprises the conveyor path31 which conveys the bank notes P fed from the main module 10, thealignment mechanism 32 provided in an upstream side along the conveyorpath 31, a reverse apparatus 34 provided in a downstream side of thealignment mechanism 32 along the conveyor path 31, and a plurality ofstockrooms 36 a, 36 b, 36 c, and 36 d arranged in line along theconveyor path 31.

The bank notes P fed from the alignment mechanism 32 or the reverseapparatus 34 are fed to the banding module 60 through the conveyor path31 or are fed to and stacked onto any of stockrooms 36 a, 36 b, 36 c,and 36 d. The stockrooms 36 a, 36 b, 36 c, and 36 d of the alignmentmodule 30 can be used also as stockrooms which collect and stack banknotes, sorted respectively depending on bank note types, or asrejected-note rooms or fatigue-note rooms which collect and stackrejected or fatigue notes extracted from the main module 10.

Otherwise, if a banding processing for banding bank notes is set, trueor damaged notes extracted from the main module 10 or true or damagednotes extracted from the alignment module 30 are fed to the bandingmodule 60 through the conveyor path 31 of the alignment module 30 andbanded for each predetermined number of notes.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the banding module 60 as a stacking/bandingapparatus. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the banding module 60comprises a conveyor path 62 which communicates with the conveyor path31 of the alignment module 30, a first stacking apparatus 64 a and asecond stacking apparatus 64 b each of which collects and stacks thebank notes fed through the conveyor path 62 for every predeterminednumber of bank notes, a banding apparatus 68 which bands eachpredetermined number of stacked bank notes, e.g., every hundred banknotes stacked by the stacking apparatuses into a bundle wrapped with aband, and a conveyor mechanism 70 which conveys bank notes P stacked bythe first stacking apparatus 64 a and bundles of bank notes banded bythe second stacking apparatus 64 b. Further, an ejection unit 73 whichreceives and stacks the bundles of bank notes banded by the bandingapparatus is provided below the banding apparatus 68.

The first stacking apparatus 64 a and the second stacking apparatus 64 bare located, shifted from each other in up and down directions and leftand right directions. The second stacking apparatus 64 b is located,shifted obliquely down at an angle θ of about 10 to 80 degrees to thefirst stacking apparatus 64 a in a manner that a part of the apparatus64 b overlaps the first stacking apparatus 64 a in a perpendiculardirection. The banding apparatus 68 is located below the second stackingapparatus 64 b.

Each of the first and second stacking apparatuses 64 a and 64 bcomprises a temporary stacking unit 65 and an impeller stackingapparatus 66 as a stacking mechanism which stacks one after another of apredetermined number of fed bank notes P onto the temporary stackingunit 65. The impeller 66 a of the impeller stacking apparatus 66 isconfigured by building a plurality of vanes on the periphery of arotation shaft and is rotated in synchronization with conveyance of thebank notes P, so that each of the fed bank notes P is received betweenvanes. By using the impeller 66 a, the bank notes P are stacked into thetemporary stacking unit 65, absorbing the kinetic energy of the banknotes P conveyed at a high speed and while aligning the bank notes P.

The temporary stacking unit 65 of the first stacking apparatus 64 acomprises a backup 75 a, for example, which is movable in up and downdirections and stacks the bank notes P onto the backup. The temporarystacking unit 65 of the second stacking apparatus 64 a comprises abackup 75 b, for example, which is movable in up and down directions andstacks the bank notes P onto the backup.

In addition, the first stacking apparatus 64 a and the second stackingapparatus 64 b each are provided with an indicator 71, such as an LED,which indicates a processing state of the apparatus, such as an error ofa stacking apparatus or an availability state of resupply of bank notes.The indicators 71 are provided at positions where a visual check iseasily available from outside by opening an outer cover of the bandingmodule 60. The indicators 71 indicate various processing states of thestacking apparatuses by means of blinking, turning on, turning off, andlighting in different colors, to allow an operator to determine, forexample, whether bank notes need be supplied again or not, whether anyerror has occurred or not, and whether a calculation result of banknotes has been fixed or not.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the stacking unit 65 which the first stackingapparatus 64 a and the second stacking apparatus 64 b each comprise. Thetemporary stacking unit 65 of the first stacking apparatus 64 a and thetemporary stacking unit 65 of the second stacking apparatus 64 b havethe same configuration as each other. The first stacking apparatus 64 awill now be described in detail as a typical example.

As shown in FIG. 3, the temporary stacking unit 65 comprises asubstantially horizontal backup 75 a where bundled bank notes arestacked, a connection shaft (support member) 76 connected to the backup75 a and extending in a perpendicular direction, a support frame 79which supports and guides the connection shaft 76 to be capable offreely elevating up and down, and a backup drive unit 81 which moves thebackup 75 a up and down by the connection shaft 76.

The backup drive unit 81 comprises a rack 85 fixed to the connectionshaft 76 and extending in a perpendicular direction, a backup motor(servo motor) 78, and a gear train 77 which transmits a drive force tothe connection shaft 76 from a backup motor 78 provided between the rack85 and a drive gear 78 a attached to the drive shaft of the backupmotor. The backup motor 78 and the gear train 77 are supported by thebracket 87.

The gear train 77 comprises a first gear 77 a, a second gear 77 b, and athird gear 77 c. The first gear 77 a and the second gear 77 b each areconfigured in a structure in which a large diameter gear and a smalldiameter gear are combined so as to respectively have rotation axescorresponding to each other. The third gear 77 c is configured by a gearhaving a diameter substantially equal to that of the large diametergears of the gears of the first gear 77 a and the second gear 77 b.

The large diameter gear of the first gear 77 a is meshed with the drivegear 78 a attached to the drive shaft of the backup motor 78. The largediameter gear of the second gear 77 b is meshed with the small diametergear of the first gear 77 a. The third gear 77 c is meshed with thesmall diameter gear of the second gear 77 b and with the rack 85. As thebackup motor 78 drives, the drive gear 78 a, first gear 77 a, secondgear 77 b, and third gear 77 c are rotated accordingly in order. As thethird gear 77 c rotates, the third gear 77 c moves the rack 85,connection shaft 76, and backup 75 a up or down in accordance with therotation direction of the third gear 77 c.

The temporary stacking unit 65 adjusts the height position of the backup75 a according to the quantity of stacked bank notes in order that thestacking apparatus 64 appropriately stacks the bank notes onto thebackup 75 a. That is, the temporary stacking unit 65 adjusts the heightposition of the backup 75 a by moving up and down the backup 75 a by thebackup drive unit 81. For example, the stacking unit 65 adjusts thebackup 75 to move up when zero or a small quantity of bank notes arestacked in a bundle. Otherwise, when a large quantity of bank notes arestacked in a bundle, the temporary stacking unit 65 adjusts the backup75 to move down. As a result, the temporary stacking unit 65 canmaintain a constant distance from the upper surface of the bundle ofbank notes stacked to the stacking apparatus 64.

The first stacking apparatus 64 a and the second stacking apparatus 64 brespectively comprise fixing mechanisms which fix the backup 75 a andthe backup 75 b to positions for setting of a standby mode during thestandby mode described later.

As shown in FIG. 2, the conveyor mechanism 70 which conveys bundles ofstacked bank notes between the first stacking apparatus 64 a and secondstacking apparatus 64 b and the banding apparatus 68 comprises a pair ofguide rods 74 provided to stand along a perpendicular direction, a basecarrier 80 capable of freely elevating up and down along the guide rods74, and a sheet carrier (conveyor tray) 82 provided on the base carrier80 to be reciprocally movable along horizontal directions. The basecarrier 80 and the sheet carrier 82 configure the conveyor carrier.

The base carrier 80 is formed in a shape of a substantially rectangulardish and is supported, at an end part, by the pair of guide rods 74. Thebase carrier 80 is guided to be capable of freely elevating up and downalong these guide rods. The base carrier 80 extends substantiallyhorizontally. In addition, the base carrier 80 is connected to drivebelts by a pair of brackets. By driving regularly or reversely a motornot shown, the drive belts travel in an up or down direction, and aspace carrier 80 is elevated up or down by these drive belts. The basecarrier 80 is elevated up and down among a first position where the basecarrier 80 is adjacent and opposed to the backup 75 a of the firststacking apparatus 64 a below the backup 75 a, a second position wherethe base carrier 80 is opposed to a side of the backup 75 b of thesecond stacking apparatus 64 b, and a third position where the basecarrier 80 is opposed to a side of a discharge table 84 of the bandingapparatus 68 described later. For example, a position sensor such as aphoto interrupter is provided at each of the positions described above.By detecting the base carrier 80 by the position sensors, the basecarrier 80 can be moved to and positioned at any of these positions.

On the other hand, the sheet carrier 82 is formed in a shape of arectangular plate which is larger than the dimensions of the bank note Pand is configured to allow stacked bank notes to be set on itself. Thesheet carrier 82 is provided to be reciprocally movable along horizontaldirections on the base carrier 80. That is, the base carrier 80 isprovided on the sheet carrier 82 so as to be reciprocally movable alonga direction intersecting the moving direction of the base carrier 80between a standby position where the sheet carrier 82 is positionedoverlapping the base carrier 80 and an advanced position where the sheetcarrier 82 projects substantially horizontally from the front end of thebase carrier. On the base carrier 80, a drive source such as a motor orplunger which moves the sheet carrier 82 in the horizontal directions isprovided.

The sheet carrier 82 is provided with a plurality of bank note clampers88 which hold bundled bank notes on the sheet carrier 82. These banknote clampers 88 are attached to the rotation shaft 89 supported by thesheet carrier 82. As the drive motor provided on the sheet carrier 82pivots the rotation shaft 89, the bank note clampers 88 are pivotedbetween an open position of being apart from a support surface of thesheet carrier 82 and a clamp position of pressing bundled bank notesfrom above to clamp and hold the bundled bank notes.

Stacking of bank notes by the first and the second stacking apparatuses64 a and 64 b and conveyance of bundled bank notes by the conveyormechanism 70 are performed as follows. For example, a predeterminednumber of, for example, one hundred bank notes of a unique type arestacked on the backup 75 a by the first stacking apparatus 64 a. At thistime of stacking, the base carrier 80 is made to wait at the firstposition, and the sheet carrier 82 on the base carrier 80 is adjacentand opposed to the backup 75 a below the backup 75 a. During thestacking, the backup 75 a is gradually moved down from a position nearthe impeller 66 a to adjust the position of the backup in accordancewith the quantity of stacked bank notes. When one hundred bank notes Pare stacked on the backup 75 a, the stacked bank notes P are then movedonto the sheet carrier 82 from the backup 75 a. Subsequently, thestacked bank notes P are pressed by the bank note clampers 88 to holdthe stacked bank notes P on the sheet carrier 82, and the base carrier80 is thereafter dropped to the third position.

Next, the sheet carrier 82 moves forward from the standby position tothe advanced position, and moves the stacked bank notes P onto theejection table 84 of the banding apparatus. Subsequently, an end part ofthe stacked bank notes P in a longitudinal direction thereof is grippedwith a hand of a grip/draw mechanism of the banding apparatus 68 whichwill be described later, and simultaneously the clampers 88 are made torelease its hold. Thereafter, the sheet carrier 82 is moved to thestandby position from the advanced position. The bundle of stacked banknotes P is thereby delivered to the banding apparatus 68.

On the other hand, after one hundred bank notes are stacked by the firststacking apparatus 64 a, the 101-st and later bank notes are fed to thesecond stacking apparatus 64 b. A predetermined number of the fed banknotes, for example, one hundred bank notes are stacked on the backup 75b by the second stacking apparatus 64 b. During stacking, the basecarrier 80 is made to wait at the second position and is opposed to aside of the backup 75 b. Also during stacking, the backup 75 a isgradually moved down from a position near the impeller 66 a to adjustthe position of the backup in accordance with the quantity of stackedbank notes. When one hundred bank notes P are stacked on the backup 75b, the sheet carrier 82 moves forward from the standby position to theadvanced position, enters and is nested into the backup 75 b, and ispositioned below the stacked bank notes P.

In this state, the stacked bank notes P are pressed by the bank noteclampers 88 to hold the stacked bank notes P on the sheet carrier 82.Thereafter, the sheet carrier 82 is returned to the standby position,and the sheet carrier 82 and the stacked bank notes P are moved onto thebase carrier 80. Next, the sheet carrier 82 and the base carrier 80 aremoved down to the third position.

Subsequently, at the third position, the sheet carrier 82 moves forwardfrom the standby position to the advanced position, and moves thestacked bank notes P onto the ejection table 84 of the bandingapparatus. Next, an end part of the stacked bank notes P is gripped bythe hand of the grip/draw mechanism of the banding apparatus 68 whichwill be described later, and simultaneously the clampers 88 are made torelease its hold. Thereafter, the sheet carrier 82 is moved to thestandby position from the advanced position. In this manner, the stackedbank notes P are transferred to the banding apparatus 68.

Next, the banding apparatus 68 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 2, the banding apparatus 68 comprises a substantiallyrectangular discharge table 84 which is set to be inclined obliquelydownward in relation to a level surface, and a band feeder which feedsout wrapping bands. Stacked bank notes P are supplied to above thedischarge table 84. The band feeder comprises a belt reel 83 aroundwhich a wrapping band for banding stacked bank notes P is wound, and aband feed mechanism which draws and feeds the wrapping band out into alooped shape from the band reel. In addition, the banding apparatus 68comprises an unillustrated band winder which winds the wrapping bandaround bundled bank notes, a heater which heats and seals the woundwrapping band, and an unillustrated cutter which cuts the wrapping band.

The banding module 60 comprises, as electrically operational parts, theimpeller stacking apparatuses 66, backup motor 78, heater 69, indicators71, and a motor which drives individual parts of the banding module,such as gates.

As shown in FIG. 1, the expansion module 174 provided in the downstreamside of the banding module 60 comprises a conveyor path 141 throughwhich bank notes P fed from the banding module 60 are conveyed, andstockrooms 175 each of which has a large volume capable of stacking aparticular quantity of bank notes fed through the conveyor path 141.

The expansion module 174 comprises, as an electrically operational part,a motor which drives a gate and the conveyor path 141 to operate.

A safety pocket 176 is provided in the most downstream side of all themodules. When there is any bank note which could not be processed duringconveyance, this bank note is discharged into the safety pocket 176 andis withdrawn from the apparatus.

Next, a system configuration of the paper-sheet processing apparatus 1will be described.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing a system configurationof the paper-sheet processing apparatus 1.

The main controller 12 is provided in a control board in the main module10. The main controller 12 comprises a module CPU 13 a which controls anoperation of each component of the main module and calculates anefficiency of operation states, and a memory which stores various data,a control program, and management information. As the aforementionedvarious data, the memory stores operator IDs, date/time, serial numbers,assignment information, bank logos, administrator signature images,print information printable on bundling bands such as fonts of languagesof respective countries, and processing speeds in a plurality of stepsfor paper sheets.

As shown in FIG. 4, the main controller 12 is connected to an operationunit 17 which inputs various information to the apparatus, and themonitor 15 as a display apparatus which displays operating states andprocessing states of the apparatus. The operation unit 17 is configuredby a mouse and a keyboard. Alternatively, the monitor 15 and theoperation unit 17 may be integrally configured as a touch panel.

The operation unit 17 comprises a switch for specifying an operatingstate of the paper-sheet processing apparatus 1. The operation unit 17comprises an ON switch for switching the paper-sheet processingapparatus 1 into an ON state, a standby switch for switching thepaper-sheet processing apparatus 1 into the standby mode, a cancelswitch for releasing the paper-sheet processing apparatus 1 from thestandby mode, and an OFF switch for switching the paper-sheet processingapparatus 1 into an OFF state. When any of the switches is pressed, theoperation unit 17 then transmits a signal indicative of thecorresponding pressed switch to the module CPU 13 a.

The main controller 12 comprises a module CPU 13 a, a timer 13 b, asystem controller, an APL PC board which controls the monitor 15 andoperation unit 17, a RECO electrically connected to the systemcontroller, a motor controller, a color sensor controller electricallyconnected to the motor controller, a PCB, and a gate controller. Thetimer 13 b, motor controller, PCB, and gate controller are electricallyconnected to the module CPU 13 a.

The module CPU 13 a is installed on a control board. The module CPU 13 ais supplied with electric power from the control board. Further, themodule CPU 13 a may control each unit via the control board. The moduleCPU 13 a is also electrically connected to a module CPU 61 a and amodule CPU 177 a. The module CPU 13 a, module CPU 61 a, and module CPU177 a can mutually transmit and receive data.

The timer 13 b measures the time elapsed since a bank note P is stackedfor the last time. The timer 13 b transmits information indicative ofthe measured elapsed time to the module CPU 13 a. The timer 13 b maytransmit the information indicative of the elapsed time to the moduleCPU 13 a at constant time intervals and may transmit the informationindicative of the elapsed time to the module CPU 13 a in response to arequest from the module CPU 13 a.

The system controller is also electrically connected to the module CPU61 a and module CPU 177 a. The system controller transmits, to themodule CPU 13 a, module CPU 61 a, and module CPU 177 a, instructionsinput to the operation unit 17 or displays data on the monitor 15 inaccordance with instructions from the CPUs.

The motor controller controls each of the motors in the main module 10.The gate controller controls each of gates in the main module 10.

The main-module power-supply box 12 a supplies electric power to thecontrol board of the module CPU 13 a. The main-module power-supply box12 a also supplies electric power to component parts of the main module10 under control of the module CPU 13 a. The component parts of the mainmodule 10 operate with the electric power supplied from the main-modulepower-supply box 12 a.

An expansion module controller 170 is provided on a control board in theexpansion module 174. The expansion module controller 170 controls anoperation of each component part of the expansion module 174.

The expansion module controller 170 comprises the module CPU 177 a, acentering unit, a PCB, a gate controller, and a motor controller. Thecentering unit, motor controller, PCB, and gate controller areelectrically connected to the module CPU 177 a.

The module CPU 177 a is installed on the control board. The module CPU177 a is supplied with electric power form the control board. Further,the module CPU 177 a may control component parts thereof through thecontrol board.

The motor controller controls each of motors in the expansion module174. The gate controller controls each of gates in the expansion module174.

The expansion-module power-supply box 170 a supplies electric power tothe control board of the module CPU 177 a. The expansion-modulepower-supply box 170 a supplies respective units of the expansion module174 under control of the module CPU 177 a. The component parts of themain 174 operate with the electric power supplied from theexpansion-module power-supply box 170 a.

A banding module controller 59 is provided on the control board in theexpansion module 60. The banding module controller 59 controls componentparts of the expansion module 60. Further, the banding module controller59 controls electric power supply to the first power supply system 63and the second power supply system 67.

The banding module controller 59 comprises the module CPU 61 a, abanding controller, a motor controller 61 b, and a motor controller 61c. The banding controller, motor controller 61 b, and motor controller61 c are electrically connected to the module CPU 61 a.

The module CPU 61 a is installed on the control board. The module CPU 61a is supplied with electric power from the control board. The module CPU61 a may control component parts through the control board.

The module CPU 61 a controls power supply to the first power supplysystem 63 and the second power supply system 67. That is, the module CPU61 a controls the banding-module power-supply box 59 a, and makes thebanding-module power-supply box 59 a supply electric power to the firstpower supply system 63 and the second power supply system 67. When thebanding module 60 is in the standby mode described later, the module CPU61 a stops electric power supply to the first power supply system 63.The first power supply system 63 and the second power supply system 67each may be a physically independent electric system or each may serveas an independent electric system as the module CPU 61 a executesfirmware.

The banding controller controls the motor controllers 61 b and 61 c,based on commands from the module CPU 61 a.

The motor controller 61 b controls the motor 63 a. The backup motorcontroller 61 c controls the backup motor 78.

The banding-module power-supply box 59 a supplies electric power to thecontrol board of the module CPU 61 a. The banding-module power-supplybox 59 a supplies electric power to component parts of the bandingmodule 60 under control of the module CPU 61 a. The component parts ofthe banding module 60 operate with the electric power supplied from thebanding-module power-supply box 59 a.

The banding-module power-supply box 59 a supplies electric power to thefirst power supply system 63 and second power supply system 67 undercontrol of the module CPU 61 a. If the first power supply system 63 andthe second power supply system 67 are physically independent powersupply systems, respectively, the banding-module power-supply box 59 acomprises a first power module which supplies the first power modulewith electric power and a second power module which supplies the secondpower supply system 67 with electric power. The banding-modulepower-supply box 59 a supplies electric power to the first power supplysystem 63 and second power supply system 67 by switching on or off thefirst and second power modules under control of the module CPU 61 a.Otherwise, if the first power supply system 63 and the second powersupply system 67 are made to serve as independent power supply systemsby firmware, the banding-module power-supply box 59 a supplies electricpower to the first power supply system 63 and the second power supplysystem 67 under control of the firmware.

The first power supply system 63 cannot be supplied with electric powerwhen the banding module 60 is in the standby mode. That is, the moduleCPU 61 a stops electric power supply to the first power supply system 63when the banding module 60 is in the standby mode.

When the banding module 60 is in the standby mode, the first powersupply system 63 supplies electric power to parts which cause no problemif electric power supply is stopped. The first power supply system 63supplies electric power to, for example, the motor 63 a, heater 69, andindicators 71.

The motor 63 a drives parts of the banding module 60 to operate exceptfor the backup 75. For example, the term “motor 63 a” is a general termcovering the motor which drives the impeller stacking apparatus 66, themotor which drives the bank note clamper 88, and the motor which drivesthe sheet carrier 82.

The second power supply system 67 is supplied with electric power evenwhen the banding module 60 is in the standby mode. That is, the moduleCPU 61 a stops electric power supply to the second power supply system67 when the banding module 60 is in the standby mode.

When the banding module 60 is in the standby mode, the second powersupply system 67 supplies electric power to parts which cause a problemif electric power supply is stopped. The second power supply system 67supplies electric power to, for example, the backup motor 63 a, sensors67 a, and an inter-board communication unit 67 b.

The sensors 67 a are provided in component parts of the banding module60, and detect positions of bank notes P and the occurrence of jamming.The sensors 67 a transmit detected information to the module CPU 61 a.

The inter-board communication unit 67 b is an interface to communicatewith other module CPUs (e.g., the module CPU 13 a and module CPU 177 a).The module CPU 61 a transmits/receives data to/from other CPU modulesthrough the communication unit 67 b. The inter-board communication unit67 b may be, for example, an interface for LAN communication. Next, anoperation example of the paper-sheet processing apparatus 1 will bedescribed.

The paper-sheet processing apparatus 1 can be switched into an ON state,an OFF state, and a standby mode.

Descriptions below will be made of an operation example when thepaper-sheet processing apparatus 1 transits to the ON state, OFF state,or standby mode.

In the ON state, the power supply of the paper-sheet processingapparatus 1 is on, and the paper-sheet processing apparatus 1 stacks andbands bank notes P. In the OFF state, the power supply of thepaper-sheet processing apparatus 1 is off, and all operations of thepaper-sheet processing apparatus 1 are stopped.

In the standby mode, the power supply of the paper-sheet processingapparatus 1 is on, and operations of component parts of the paper-sheetprocessing apparatus 1 are stopped.

In the standby mode, a part of the paper-sheet processing apparatuses 1is supplied with electric power in order to allow immediate operationstart while the other parts are not supplied with electric power.

When the operating state transits to the standby mode, the module CPU 13a then makes the main-module power-supply box 12 a stop electric powersupply to component parts of the main module 10. Accordingly, themotors, sensors, and indicators in the main module 10 stop. Further, themodule CPU 13 a makes the main-module power-supply box 12 a supplyelectric power to the module CPU 13 a and inter-board communication unitwhich is an interface for communication between boards. In this manner,the module CPU 13 a can determine whether the cancel switch is pressedor not, and can make the paper-sheet processing apparatus 1 transit tothe ON state from the standby mode. The module CPU 13 a transmits, tothe module CPU 177 a and module CPU 61 a, a signal indicating that thepaper-sheet processing apparatus 1 has transited into the standby mode.

The module CPU 177 a makes the expansion-module power-supply box 170 astop electric power supply to component parts of the expansion module174. Accordingly, the motors, sensors, and indicators in the expansionmodule 174 stop. Further, the module CPU 177 a makes theexpansion-module power-supply box 170 a supply electric power to themodule CPU 177 a and the inter-board communication unit as an interfacefor communication between boards. In this manner, the module CPU 177 acan receive a signal indicative of transition to the ON state from themodule CPU 13 a, and can make the expansion-module power-supply box 170a supply electric power to component parts of the expansion module 174.

The module CPU 61 a makes the banding-module power-supply box 59 a stopelectric power supply to the first power supply system 63. The motors 63a, heater 69, and indicators 71 which are thereby supplied with electricpower from the first power supply system 63 stop.

The module CPU 61 a maintains electric power supply to the module CPU 61a and the second power supply system 67. By maintaining the electricpower supply to the backup motor 78 in the second power supply system67, the backup motor 78 is driven and fixed even in the standby mode. Asa result, the backup 75 which operates in interlock with operation ofthe backup motor 78 does not move down by gravity even in the standbymode and is maintained at a position immediately before the paper-sheetsprocessing apparatus 1 transits to the standby mode. Therefore, afterthe standby mode is released, the banding module 60 can additionallystack bank notes onto the bank notes P already stacked on the backup 75.

Further, by supplying electric power to the module CPU 61 a andinter-board communication unit 67 d, the module CPU 61 a can receive asignal indicative of transition to the ON state from the module CPU 13a, and can make the banding-module power-supply box 59 a supply electricpower to component parts of the banding module 60.

When the standby switch to make the paper-sheet processing apparatus 1transit to the standby mode is pressed in the ON state, the paper-sheetprocessing apparatus 1 transits to the standby mode. The paper-sheetprocessing apparatus 1 transits to the standby mode if no bank note P isstacked for a predetermined period.

When the cancel switch to release the standby mode is pressed in thestandby mode, the paper-sheet processing apparatus 1 transits to the ONstate, and stacks and bands bank notes P.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of thepaper-sheet processing apparatus 1.

In this example, the paper-sheet processing apparatus 1 is supposed tobe in the OFF state.

Firstly, the module CPU 13 a of the paper-sheet processing apparatus 1determines whether the ON switch to make the paper-sheet processingapparatus 1 transit to the ON state has been pressed or not (Step S11).That is, the module CPU 13 a determines whether a signal indicating apress made on the ON switch has been received from the operation unit 17or not.

If the ON switch is determined to have not been pressed (Step S11, NO),the module CPU 13 a returns to Step S11.

If the ON switch is determined to have been pressed (Step S11, YES), themodule CPU 13 a performs an initialization processing (Step S12). Theinitialization processing sets component parts of the paper-sheetprocessing apparatus 1 into a state capable of stacking and banding banknotes P. For example, in the initialization processing, the module CPU13 a transmits a command to execute the initialization processing to themodule CPU 61 a and module CPU 177 a. The module CPU 13 a, module CPU 61a, and module CPU 177 a drive motors of the respective modules, andarrange movable parts at appropriate positions. For example, the moduleCPU 61 a makes the motor 63 a and the backup motor 78 drive, andarranges the impeller stacking apparatuses 66, bank note clampers 88,sheet carrier 82, and backup 75 at appropriate processing positions.

After performing the initialization processing, the module CPU 13 adetermines whether the standby switch has been pressed or not (StepS13). That is, the module CPU 13 a determines whether a signalindicating a press made on the ON switch has been received from theoperation unit 17 or not.

If the ON switch is determined to have not been pressed (Step S13, NO),the module CPU 13 a determines whether the predetermined period haselapsed since any bank note P was stacked for the last time (Step S14).That is, the module CPU 13 a determines whether an elapsed time hasexceeded the predetermined period or not, based on informationindicative of the elapsed time which is transmitted from the timer 13 b.

If the predetermined period is determined to have not elapsed (Step S14,NO), the module CPU 13 a determines whether the OFF switch has beenpressed or not (Step S15). That is, the module CPU 13 a determineswhether a signal indicating a press made on the OFF switch has beenreceived from the operation unit 17 or not.

If the OFF switch is determined to have not been pressed (Step S15, NO),the module CPU 13 a returns to Step S13.

If the standby switch is determined to have been pressed (Step S13, YES)or if the predetermined time has passed (Step S14, YES), the module CPU13 a performs processing (Step S16). The standby processing sets thepaper-sheet processing apparatus 1 into a state capable of transiting tothe standby mode. The standby processing continues the processing whichcannot be suspended halfway. For example, when the impeller stackingapparatus 66 is conveying a bank note P, the standby processingfunctions to rotate the impeller stacking apparatus 66 to a conveyanceend position for the bank note P and loads the bank note P onto thebackup 75.

Otherwise, when a bank note P is on the conveyor path 16, 31, or 62, thestandby processing conveys the bank note P to the banding module 60,rotates the impeller stacking apparatus 66, and loads the bank note Ponto the backup 75.

After performing the standby processing, the module CPU 13 a transits tothe standby mode (Step S17). That is, the module CPU 13 a stops electricpower supply from the main-module power-supply box 12 a. Further, themodule CPU 13 a transmits, to the module CPU 61 a and module CPU 177 a,a signal indicating that the paper-sheet processing apparatus 1 hastransited to the standby mode.

Upon receipt of the signal, the module CPU 177 a stops electric powersupply from the expansion-module power-supply box 170 a.

Upon receipt of the signal, the module CPU 61 a stops electric powersupply to the first power supply system 63. For example, when the firstpower supply system 63 and the second power supply system 67 arephysically independent, the module CPU 61 a transmits, to thebanding-module power-supply box 59 a, a command to stop electric powersupply to the first power supply system 63. The banding-modulepower-supply box 61 a receives the command and stops electric powersupply to the first power supply system 63. Otherwise, if the firstpower supply system 63 and the second power supply system 67 are madeindependent by firmware, the module CPU 61 a stops electric power supplyto the first power supply system 63 by the firmware.

After transition to the standby mode, the module CPU 13 a determineswhether the OFF switch has been pressed or not (Step S18). If the OFFswitch is determined to have not been pressed (Step S18, NO), the moduleCPU 13 a determines whether the cancel switch to release the standbymode of the paper-sheet processing apparatus 1 has been pressed or not(Step S19). That is, the module CPU 13 a determines whether a signalindicating a press made on the cancel switch has been received from theoperation unit 17 or not.

If the cancel switch is determined to have not been pressed (Step S19,NO), the module CPU 13 a returns to Step S18.

Otherwise, if the cancel switch is determined to have been pressed (StepS19, YES), the module CPU 13 a subjects components other than the backup75 to the initialization processing (Step S20). That is, the module CPU13 a makes the main-module power-supply box 12 a supply electric powerto the respective components of the main module 10. After the respectivecomponents are supplied with electric power, the module CPU 13 aarranges movable parts to appropriate initial positions. Further, themodule CPU 13 a transmits a signal indicative of transition to the ONstate from the standby mode, to the module CPU 61 a and module CPU 177a.

The module CPU 177 a receives the signal and makes the expansion-modulepower-supply box 170 a supply electric power to the component parts ofthe expansion module 174. After the component parts are supplied withelectric power, the module CPU 13 a arranges respective movable parts atappropriate initial positions.

The module CPU 61 a receives the signal and makes the banding-modulepower-supply box 59 a supply electric power to the first power supplysystem 63. When the first power supply system 63 is supplied withelectric power, the module CPU 61 a arranges movable parts (for example,the impeller stacking apparatus 66, bank note clamper 88, and sheetcarrier 82) other than the backup 75 to appropriate initial positions.

When other component parts than the backup 75 are subjected to theinitialization processing, the module CPU 13 a returns to Step S13.

If the OFF-switch is determined to have been pressed (Step S15, YES) orif the OFF-switch is determined to have been pressed (Step S18, YES),the module CPU 13 a performs a termination processing (Step S21). Thetermination processing sets the paper-sheet processing apparatus 1 intoa state capable of transiting to the OFF state. For example, if bundledbank notes P are stacked on the backup 75 of the banding module 60, thetermination processing makes the stacked bank notes P be discharged tooutside of the backup 75. When the impeller stacking apparatus 66 isconveying a bank note P, the termination processing rotates the impellerstacking apparatus 66 to the conveyance end position for the bank noteP, and stacks the bank note P onto the backup 75. In this case, thetermination processing subsequently discharges stacked bank notes P tooutside of the backup 75. After performing the termination processing,the module CPU 13 a turns off the power supply of the paper-sheetprocessing apparatus 1 (Step S22). That is, the module CPU 13 atransmits a command which turns off the power supply, to the module CPU61 a and module CPU 177 a. The module CPU 13 a also turns off the powersupply of the main-module power-supply box 12 a.

Upon receipt of the signal, the module CPU 13 a turns off the powersupply of the expansion-module power-supply box 170 a. Upon receipt ofthe signal, the module CPU 13 a turns off the power supply of thebanding-module power-supply box 59 a.

At this time point, the module CPU 13 a may control the banding-modulepower-supply box 59 a so as to supply electric power only to theoperation unit 17 which detects a press down on the ON switch. In thiscase, the module CPU 13 a may make the main-module power-supply box 12 asupply electric power to the module CPU 13 a so as to be capable ofreceiving the signal which detects a press down on the ON switch.

When the power supply of the whole paper-sheet processing apparatus 1 isturned off, the module CPU 13 a terminates operation.

The paper-sheet processing apparatus configured as described above cantransit into the standby mode. During the standby mode, the backup ofthe banding module is fixed in the position at the time of setting thestandby mode and does not move. Accordingly, the backup is maintained ina state that paper sheets remain stacked. As a result, when returning tothe normal mode from the standby mode, there is no need of picking up orresupplying bank notes stacked on the backup. Further, there is no needof operation for initializing the backup. Accordingly, the paper-sheetprocessing apparatus 1 can continuously restart stacking of papersheets. From the above, the standby mode can be set without causing anylaborious recovery processing and a paper-sheet processing apparatuscapable of reducing power consumption can be achieved.

Second Embodiment

Next, the second embodiment will be described.

A paper-sheet processing apparatus according to the second embodimenthas a configuration different from that of the first embodiment in thata backup motor 78 is supplied with electric power from a first powersupply system 63, and in that a first gear 77 a, a second gear 77 b, anda third gear 77 c can fix the backup 75 by use of gear ratios andweights of respective gears. In the second embodiment, the otherfeatures of the configuration of the paper-sheet processing apparatusthan those described above are the same as those of the paper-sheetprocessing apparatus according to the first embodiment. Identicalcomponents will be respectively denoted by identical reference symbols,and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted herefrom.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing a system configurationof the paper-sheet processing apparatus 1.

As shown in FIG. 6, a backup motor 78 is comprised in a first powersupply system 63. That is, when a banding module 60 enters into astandby mode, a banding module controller 59 stops electric power supplyto a backup motor 78.

The first gear 77 a, second gear 77 b, and third gear 77 c of a backupdrive unit configure a fixing mechanism having a structure capable ofsupporting the weight of stacked bank notes P stacked on the backup 75even if electric power supply to the backup motor 78 stops. That is,even when electric power supply to the backup motor 78 stops, the firstgear 77 a, second gear 77 b, and third gear 77 c can support the backup75 so as not to move down, owing to the resistance generated from thegear ratios and weights of the respective gears. The backup 75 is fixedwithout moving down by the resistance generated from the respectivegears.

For each of the first gear 77 a, second gear 77 b, and third gear 77 c,the gear ratio and weight are determined depending on the weights of thebackup 75 and bank notes P stacked. For example, the weight of thebackup 75 is supposed to be 700 g, and the weight of one hundred banknotes P is supposed to be 100 g. The weight of a connection shaft 76 issupposed to be 300 g. In this case, the weight of the first gear 77 a is100 g. A large diameter gear of the first gear 77 a comprises forty gearteeth, and a small diameter gear thereof comprises sixteen gear teeth.Further, the weight of the second gear 77 b is 100 g. A large diametergear of the second gear 77 b comprises forty gear teeth, and a smalldiameter gear thereof comprises sixteen gear teeth. The weight of thethird gear 77 c is 100 g. The third gear 77 c comprises forty gearteeth. A gear installed at a distal end of a rotation shaft of thebackup motor 78 comprises nine gear teeth.

When the banding module 60 transits to the standby mode, the module CPU61 a then stops electric power supply to the first power supply system63. Accordingly, the module CPU 61 a stops electric power supply to thebackup motor 78.

When electric power supply to the backup motor 78 is stopped, the backup75 is then not supported by the drive force of the backup motor 78.However, since the first gear 77 a, second gear 77 b, and third gear 77c are configured to support the weight of the backup 75 and the weightof bank notes P stacked on the backup 75, the backup 75 can bemaintained at the same position as the position immediately beforetransition of the paper-sheet processing apparatus to the standby mode.Accordingly, the banding module 60 can continuously stack bank notes Ponto the backup 75 after releasing the standby mode, as in the firstembodiment.

The paper-sheet processing apparatus configured as described above canstop electric power supply even to the backup motor in the standby mode.As a result, in the standby mode, the paper-sheet processing apparatus 1can save more electric power than the paper-sheet processing apparatus 1according to the first embodiment.

Third Embodiment

Next, a paper-sheet processing apparatus according to the thirdembodiment will be described.

The third embodiment has a configuration different from that of thefirst embodiment in that the backup motor 78 is supplied with electricpower from a first power supply system 63, in that a temporary stackingunit 65 comprises a solenoid, a plunger, and a fixing member, whichfunction as a fixing mechanism, and in that a connection shaft 76 isprovided with an engagement part. In the third embodiment, the otherfeatures of the configuration of the paper-sheet processing apparatusthan those described above are the same as those of the paper-sheetprocessing apparatus according to the first embodiment. Identicalcomponents will be respectively denoted by identical reference symbols,and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted herefrom.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the temporary stacking unit 65 which thepaper-sheet processing apparatus 1 according to the third embodimentcomprises.

As shown in FIG. 7, the fixing mechanism of the temporary stacking unit65 comprises an engagement part, a solenoid, and a plunger provided onthe connection shaft 76. That is, an engagement groove 93 whichfunctions as an engagement part is provided in a lower end part of theconnection shaft 76. The engagement groove 93 is formed in a shape of agear in which convex and concave parts are alternately arranged in theperpendicular direction.

A solenoid 90 and a plunger 91 are provided substantially horizontallybelow a gear train 77. The plunger 91 is inserted in the solenoid 90 tobe reciprocally movable along horizontal directions. In the solenoid 90,a compression spring 94 energizes the plunger 91 in a direction ofprotruding from the solenoid 90. Further, a fixing member 92 is attachedto a distal end of the plunger 91. The fixing member 92 comprises anengagement end having a convex and concave shape or a shape of a gearwhich can engage in the engagement groove 93.

The solenoid 90 and plunger 91 are provided to be opposed to theconnection shaft 76. The plunger 91 is supported to be movable between afixing position where the fixing member 92 provided at the distal endengages in the engagement groove 93 of the connection shaft 76 and arelease position where the fixing member is apart from the engagementgroove 93. When the solenoid 90 is electrically conducted, the plunger91 is drawn to the releasing position by a magnetic field generated fromthe solenoid. When the electric conduction to the solenoid 90 isstopped, the plunger 91 is energized by the compression spring 94 andmoves to the fixing position. When the plunger 91 moves to the fixingposition, the fixing member 92 engages in the engagement groove 93 ofthe connection shaft 76 and fixes the connection shaft 76. In thismanner, the connection shaft 76 and the backup 75 a are fixed to thestop position, to prevent further movement.

When the backup motor 78 moves the backup 75, the module CPU 61 a of thebanding module 60 performs control of making an electric current flow toa coil of the solenoid 90 and draws the plunger 91 into the solenoid 90.As a result, the fixing member 92 moves apart from the connection shaft76, and the backup motor 78 can then move the backup 75.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing a system configurationof the paper-sheet processing apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 8, the firstpower supply system 63 comprises the backup motor 78 and solenoid 90.

Therefore, when the paper-sheet processing apparatus 1 is set in thestandby mode, electric power supply to the backup motor 78 and thesolenoid 90 is stopped.

The module CPU 61 a transits to the standby mode after forming a statein which the fixing member 92 is in contact with the connection shaft 76through the standby processing.

When the paper-sheet processing apparatus 1 transits to the standbymode, the module CPU 61 a then stops electric power supply to the firstpower supply system 63. Accordingly, the module CPU 61 a stops electricpower supply to the solenoid 90.

When electric power supply to the backup motor 78 is stopped, the backup75 is then not supported by the drive force of the backup motor 78.However, the fixing member 92 provided at the distal end of the plunger91 remains pressed to the connection shaft 76 by the stress of a spring.As a result, the backup 75 remains continuously fixed by the fixingmember 92 provided at the distal end of the plunger 91, and can bemaintained at the same position as the position immediately beforetransition of the paper-sheet processing apparatus to the standby mode.Accordingly, the banding module 60 can continuously stack bank notes Ponto the backup 75 after releasing the standby mode, as in the firstembodiment.

The paper-sheet processing apparatus configured as described above canstop electric power supply even to the backup motor in the standby mode,as in the second embodiment. As a result, in the standby mode, thepaper-sheet processing apparatus 1 can save electric power from thepaper-sheet processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. Inaddition, the paper-sheet processing apparatus can fix the backupirrespective of gear ratios and weights.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit thescope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described hereinmay be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodimentsdescribed herein may be made without departing from the spirit of theinventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intendedto cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope andspirit of the inventions.

What is claimed is:
 1. A paper-sheet processing apparatus, comprising: afeed unit in which a plurality of paper sheets are stacked; a pickupunit which extracts paper sheets from the feed unit; an inspection unitwhich inspects the paper sheets extracted; a stacking unit which stackseach predetermined number of the paper sheets inspected, onto a backup;a backup drive unit which adjusts the position of the backup, dependingon a quantity of the stacked paper sheets; a banding unit which bandsthe stacked paper sheets by wrapping a band around the stacked papersheets; at least one power supply which supplies electric power toelectrically operational parts of the pickup unit, inspection unit,stacking unit, backup drive unit, and banding unit; a mode setting unitwhich sets a standby mode of temporarily stopping electric power supplyto at least one of the electrically operational parts; and a fixing unitwhich fixes the backup to a position for the standby mode when thestandby mode is set by the mode setting unit.
 2. The paper-sheetprocessing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the backup drive unit comprisesa motor which drives the backup, and the fixing unit comprises a powersupply system which supplies electric power to the motor, and during thestandby mode set, the fixing unit supplies electric power to the motorof the backup drive unit and fixes the backup to a stop position by themotor.
 3. The paper-sheet processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein thebackup drive unit comprises a motor and a gear train which transmits adrive force of the motor to the backup, and the fixing unit isconfigured by the gear train, and the gear train employ gear ratios anda weight at which the backup and the paper sheets stacked on the backupcan be supported at a stop position.
 4. The paper-sheet processingapparatus of claim 1, wherein the backup drive unit comprises a supportmember connected to the backup and supported to be freely movable, and amotor which drives the support member, and the fixing unit comprises anengagement part provided on the support member, a plunger provided to bemovable between a fixing position where the plunger engages with theengagement part and a release position where the plunger is apart fromthe engagement part, a solenoid which energizes the plunger to areleasing position, and an energizing member which energizes the plungerto the fixed position, and when the standby mode is set and electricpower supply to the solenoid is stopped, the plunger is moved to thefixing position, and the support member is fixed by the plunger.
 5. Thepaper-sheet processing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising ameasurement unit which measures a time elapsed since a paper sheet isstacked for the last time, wherein the mode setting unit sets thestandby mode if the time measured by the measurement unit exceeds apredetermined time period.
 6. The paper-sheet processing apparatus ofclaim 2, further comprising a measurement unit which measures a timeelapsed since a paper sheet is stacked for the last time, wherein themode setting unit sets the standby mode if the time measured by themeasurement unit exceeds a predetermined time period.
 7. The paper-sheetprocessing apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a measurement unitwhich measures a time elapsed since a paper sheet is stacked for thelast time, wherein the mode setting unit sets the standby mode if thetime measured by the measurement unit exceeds a predetermined timeperiod.
 8. The paper-sheet processing apparatus of claim 4, furthercomprising a measurement unit which measures a time elapsed since apaper sheet is stacked for the last time, wherein the mode setting unitsets the standby mode if the time measured by the measurement unitexceeds a predetermined time period.